Florence Norene Lyons

We are sad to announce the peaceful passing of our much loved mother, wife, and friend, Florence Norene Lyons, on December 3, 2022, at the age of 90. “Auntie Norene” lived with Alzheimer’s the last few years which took away her amazing memory and independence but did not take away her sense of humor and love for the simple pleasures in life, such as music and chocolate.

Norene was born to Arthur and Hilda Salisbury and was blessed with 11 brothers and sisters that shared that amazing sense of humor and infectious laugh (George, Edna, Ella, Albert, Elaine, Allan, Harold, Clarence, Donald, Mary-Ellen and Stanley). Norene was always strong in her faith with the Lord and set out to attend Nipawin Bible Institute in hopes of someday becoming a nurse. However, God always has a plan for us, and she met William Joseph Lyons (Joe) and they married May 4, 1955 (May the 4^th be with you).

Joe and Norene had a family of 7 children (Linda, Diane, Paul, Mark, Glen, April & Neil) which they raised together in Nipawin and Unity Saskatchewan. Although Norene lived with chronic pain from her hip surgeries/arthritis from a young age, she continued to work hard and stay active, giving her all to family, friends, and the community. Norene participated and volunteered in many clubs, including the Horticultural Society, Agricultural Society, 4-H and last but most important to mom, would be the First Baptist Church family, including Mission Circle in Nipawin and Unity.

Mom was the best bread maker, canner, baker, and could whip up a meal in no time flat when dad invited his friends from the airport for lunch without notice! She worked tirelessly in the garden and especially enjoyed those plants that didn’t produce lots of work called “flowers”. She won many prizes at fairs for her gardening and arts and crafts and was known by the Horticultural Society in Nipawin as the “fruit lady”.  Norene was even an unofficial seamstress and hairdresser when friends would stop by needing a grad dress made or asking for a haircut. She never turned anyone away, no matter how busy or tired she was. We will always remember mom busy working while listening to her radio hockey, music or game shows, cheering, singing and yelling out answers to Jeopardy. Norene loved to contribute, compete and always do her absolute best. She turned her disabilities into abilities, being a great example for us all. This was her-our greatest gift from God!

“May the 4^th be with you always” and it always was for her. Dad and mom were able to spend their last few days together at Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon. Norene’s family and friends would like to give a special thanks to Linda, Diane and staff at Oliver Lodge. A Celebration of Joe and Norene’s Lives will held at 1:00 p.m. at the Grace & Light Baptist Church (formerly First Baptist Church), 315 First Street West, Nipawin, Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Norene may be made to the Salvation Army or Charity of your choice.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Lyons.